This last weekend I took RQB3616 out on the road to my Iron Chariots Car Show after being in storage for several months while I built a garage to house her and provide a weather proof location to be able to work on her year round. Everything went well until a knock from deep within the engine appeared.... I was able to limp home via the back roads while purposely not getting much above 35/40mph. I need to empty the oil for sure as the dipstick shows a overfull oil pan (no water beads or fuel smell), pop the valve covers to see what I find, check compression, etc.. My true Gear Head friends have forewarned me that I will need a new engine. While I haven't reworked an engine in MANY years, I am not afraid to take it on but my gut also tells me that it may be a lost cause.... RQB3616 has a 305. The question is what do I need to consider in swapping out the original 305 for a 350? Will the 1983 engine electronics work on the new motor 305 or 350? Are the motor mounts the same? Etc....
Seeking any insight.